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Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Zesty Lemon Broccoli Pasta: A Quick One-Pot Delight

This Lemon Broccoli Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal that features tender broccoli and zesty lemon for a refreshing dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dried Pasta small shape like penne or rotini
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets fresh or frozen
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or another oil
  • 1 lemon Lemon Juice & Zest freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Parmesan or nutritional yeast for vegan option
Optional Garnish
  • 1 lemon Lemon Wedges
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • strainer

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of dried pasta, ensuring there's enough space for it to cook. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  2. When the pasta has about 2-3 minutes left to cook, carefully add the broccoli florets directly into the boiling water. Once both the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. In the same pot (no need to rinse), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, followed by the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  5. Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the garlic-lemon sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.
  6. Spoon the Lemon Broccoli Pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover Lemon Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of water to revive its creamy texture.

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